BOG Protesters Agree to Deal to Dismiss Charges

Resolutions were reached against two of the three protesters facing charges following their arrests at the UNC Board of Governors meeting in late January.

The individuals were arrested after a group of protesters took over the BOG meeting, speaking out against the election of Margaret Spellings as the new System President.

Madelein Scanlon, Olufemi Shittu and Irving Allen all appeared before Judge Jay Bryan in Orange County Court on Thursday.

Madelein Scanlon. Photo via Blake Hodge.

Scanlon was facing misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct in a public building and resisting a public officer. She was also charged with felony assault inflicting physical injury of a law enforcement officer.

Shittu was facing a sole misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct in a public building.

Allen is facing misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct in a public building and resisting a public officer.

Scanlon and Shittu each agreed to a deal with the state to dismiss their charges upon completion of certain parameters.

Scanlon admitted guilt to the misdemeanor charges and pledged to not commit any criminal offense – other than minor traffic offenses, pay the $180 fines/court cost, complete 24 hours of community service, to not assault, threaten or harass the victim or any witnesses – which in this case would consist of members of the Board of Governors – and Scanlon is not allowed to go on the premises where any BOG meeting is being held over the next year. In exchange for her admitting guilt on the misdemeanor charges, the felony assault charge was thrown out on Thursday. If Scanclon completes the requirements put forward by the court before February 2, 2017, the misdemeanor charges will be dismissed.

Olufemi Shittu. Photo via Blake Hodge.

Shittu admitted guilt to the misdemeanor disorderly conduct in a public building charge, which will be dismissed if she completes requirements by February 2, 2017. The parameters for dismissal include not committing any criminal offense – other than minor traffic offenses and paying $230 in fines/court cost. Shittu also pledged to not assault, threaten or harass members of the BOG and to not go upon the premises where any UNC Board of Governors meeting is being held over the next year.

Allen also appeared in court on Thursday and could agree to similar parameters, but his court date was held over to allow him time to meet with counsel.

The 32-member Board of Governors will be meeting again on March 4, at Fayetteville State University. That will be the first meeting led by President-elect Spellings.

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